CALIFORNIA CUSTODIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
300 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
The California Custodian Certification Exam, administered by the California
Department of Human Resources (CalHR), evaluates candidates for state custodial
positions. The exam format varies by classification, with Custodian positions
typically using a Training and Experience Evaluation (100% of score) or a written
multiple-choice test covering arithmetic, written communication, and data
accuracy. Supervisory roles require knowledge of training techniques, safety
practices, and cleaning methods. The exam assesses competency in safety and
regulatory compliance (including OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards), floor care
procedures, cleaning and disinfection protocols, equipment maintenance, waste
management, building security, and professional responsibilities. Candidates must
demonstrate understanding of chemical handling, bloodborne pathogen procedures,
and proper use of cleaning equipment such as floor buffers and carpet extractors.
Section 1: Safety and Regulatory Compliance (Questions 1-60)
Question 1
A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during
restroom cleaning and notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A) Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C) Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D) Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine gas, which can
cause severe respiratory injury. The immediate action is to evacuate the area,
ventilate, and report the incident. Attempting to continue working or covering the
fumes increases exposure risk.
,Question 2
What is the primary reason for grounding portable power tools?
A) To reduce noise levels
B) To prevent electrical shock
C) To enhance tool performance
D) To increase battery life
Answer: B
Rationale: Grounding portable power tools prevents electrical shock by providing a
safe path for stray electrical current in the event of a short circuit. Failure to ground
equipment can lead to electrocution hazards. This is a fundamental safety
requirement under OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations.
Question 3
What does the skull and crossbones symbol indicate on a chemical label under the
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?
A) The substance is flammable
B) The substance is acutely toxic or has severe health hazards
C) The substance is safe to handle
D) The substance is corrosive
Answer: B
Rationale: The skull and crossbones symbol indicates acute toxicity or severe
health hazards. This is part of the Hazard Communication Standard
(HazCom/GHS) that requires clear labeling of chemical hazards. Custodians must
recognize these symbols to handle chemicals safely.
Question 4
What is the correct procedure for cleaning a blood spill according to OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens standards?
A) Wipe it up immediately with a dry cloth
B) Use a broom to sweep the spill
C) Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant, allow appropriate dwell time, and use
proper PPE
D) Cover with a towel until it dries
Answer: C
,Rationale: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires
that blood spills be cleaned using appropriate PPE and an EPA-registered
disinfectant with the correct contact time. The area must be decontaminated, not
just wiped or swept. Proper disposal of contaminated materials is also required.
Question 5
A custodian notices a floor buffer cord has exposed wires near the plug end. What
is the correct action?
A) Wrap the cord in duct tape and continue working
B) Use the machine only on low-speed settings
C) Tag the machine "Out of Service" and report it
D) Cut the cord off to prevent others from using it
Answer: C
Rationale: Damaged electrical equipment must be immediately removed from
service and tagged to prevent accidental use until repaired by a qualified
technician. This is a standard safety protocol to prevent electrical shock and fire
hazards. Temporary fixes like duct tape are not acceptable.
Question 6
When changing brushes on a scrubbing machine, what is the first step to take?
A) Lock the switch in the off position
B) Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet
C) Place the machine on top of the positioned brushes
D) Dip the brushes in water
Answer: B
Rationale: Disconnecting the power source is the most important safety step before
performing any maintenance on electrical equipment. This prevents accidental
startup and potential injury. Locking the switch alone is not sufficient.
Question 7
When operating a high-speed burnisher, what is a critical safety precaution?
A) Ensure the operator is wearing leather-soled shoes for grip
B) Keep the power cord in front of the machine at all times
C) Ensure the area is clear of combustible materials and flammable liquids
D) Always operate the machine with the handle in a vertical position
, Answer: C
Rationale: High-speed burnishers generate significant friction and heat, which can
ignite combustible dust, paper, or solvent-based cleaners left on the floor. The
work area must be clear of flammable materials before operation.
Question 8
What is the primary reason for using a dust mop treated with a dust-attracting
agent?
A) To reduce the frequency of wet mopping
B) To polish the floor while removing debris
C) To capture and retain fine dust particles rather than spreading them into the air
D) To eliminate the need for a vacuum cleaner
Answer: C
Rationale: The treatment creates an electrostatic charge that attracts and holds dust,
preventing it from becoming airborne where it can settle again or be inhaled. This
improves indoor air quality and cleaning efficiency.
Question 9
A custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a sink in
a school restroom. What is the safest immediate action?
A) Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B) Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
C) Treat it as an unknown hazardous chemical and contact a supervisor for proper
disposal
D) Use it for cleaning since it looks like a common cleaner
Answer: C
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals are a safety hazard and must be treated as
unknown hazardous materials. OSHA HazCom/GHS regulations require that all
chemicals be properly labeled. The custodian should not attempt to identify the
chemical by smell or sight, as this could cause exposure.
Question 10
A custodian is assigned to clean bodily fluid from a restroom floor after a student
illness incident. What is the correct first step?
300 ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
WITH RATIONALE LATEST UPDATE ALREADY
GRADED A+ ASSURED PASS
The California Custodian Certification Exam, administered by the California
Department of Human Resources (CalHR), evaluates candidates for state custodial
positions. The exam format varies by classification, with Custodian positions
typically using a Training and Experience Evaluation (100% of score) or a written
multiple-choice test covering arithmetic, written communication, and data
accuracy. Supervisory roles require knowledge of training techniques, safety
practices, and cleaning methods. The exam assesses competency in safety and
regulatory compliance (including OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards), floor care
procedures, cleaning and disinfection protocols, equipment maintenance, waste
management, building security, and professional responsibilities. Candidates must
demonstrate understanding of chemical handling, bloodborne pathogen procedures,
and proper use of cleaning equipment such as floor buffers and carpet extractors.
Section 1: Safety and Regulatory Compliance (Questions 1-60)
Question 1
A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during
restroom cleaning and notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A) Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C) Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D) Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine gas, which can
cause severe respiratory injury. The immediate action is to evacuate the area,
ventilate, and report the incident. Attempting to continue working or covering the
fumes increases exposure risk.
,Question 2
What is the primary reason for grounding portable power tools?
A) To reduce noise levels
B) To prevent electrical shock
C) To enhance tool performance
D) To increase battery life
Answer: B
Rationale: Grounding portable power tools prevents electrical shock by providing a
safe path for stray electrical current in the event of a short circuit. Failure to ground
equipment can lead to electrocution hazards. This is a fundamental safety
requirement under OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations.
Question 3
What does the skull and crossbones symbol indicate on a chemical label under the
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?
A) The substance is flammable
B) The substance is acutely toxic or has severe health hazards
C) The substance is safe to handle
D) The substance is corrosive
Answer: B
Rationale: The skull and crossbones symbol indicates acute toxicity or severe
health hazards. This is part of the Hazard Communication Standard
(HazCom/GHS) that requires clear labeling of chemical hazards. Custodians must
recognize these symbols to handle chemicals safely.
Question 4
What is the correct procedure for cleaning a blood spill according to OSHA
Bloodborne Pathogens standards?
A) Wipe it up immediately with a dry cloth
B) Use a broom to sweep the spill
C) Apply an EPA-registered disinfectant, allow appropriate dwell time, and use
proper PPE
D) Cover with a towel until it dries
Answer: C
,Rationale: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires
that blood spills be cleaned using appropriate PPE and an EPA-registered
disinfectant with the correct contact time. The area must be decontaminated, not
just wiped or swept. Proper disposal of contaminated materials is also required.
Question 5
A custodian notices a floor buffer cord has exposed wires near the plug end. What
is the correct action?
A) Wrap the cord in duct tape and continue working
B) Use the machine only on low-speed settings
C) Tag the machine "Out of Service" and report it
D) Cut the cord off to prevent others from using it
Answer: C
Rationale: Damaged electrical equipment must be immediately removed from
service and tagged to prevent accidental use until repaired by a qualified
technician. This is a standard safety protocol to prevent electrical shock and fire
hazards. Temporary fixes like duct tape are not acceptable.
Question 6
When changing brushes on a scrubbing machine, what is the first step to take?
A) Lock the switch in the off position
B) Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet
C) Place the machine on top of the positioned brushes
D) Dip the brushes in water
Answer: B
Rationale: Disconnecting the power source is the most important safety step before
performing any maintenance on electrical equipment. This prevents accidental
startup and potential injury. Locking the switch alone is not sufficient.
Question 7
When operating a high-speed burnisher, what is a critical safety precaution?
A) Ensure the operator is wearing leather-soled shoes for grip
B) Keep the power cord in front of the machine at all times
C) Ensure the area is clear of combustible materials and flammable liquids
D) Always operate the machine with the handle in a vertical position
, Answer: C
Rationale: High-speed burnishers generate significant friction and heat, which can
ignite combustible dust, paper, or solvent-based cleaners left on the floor. The
work area must be clear of flammable materials before operation.
Question 8
What is the primary reason for using a dust mop treated with a dust-attracting
agent?
A) To reduce the frequency of wet mopping
B) To polish the floor while removing debris
C) To capture and retain fine dust particles rather than spreading them into the air
D) To eliminate the need for a vacuum cleaner
Answer: C
Rationale: The treatment creates an electrostatic charge that attracts and holds dust,
preventing it from becoming airborne where it can settle again or be inhaled. This
improves indoor air quality and cleaning efficiency.
Question 9
A custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a sink in
a school restroom. What is the safest immediate action?
A) Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B) Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
C) Treat it as an unknown hazardous chemical and contact a supervisor for proper
disposal
D) Use it for cleaning since it looks like a common cleaner
Answer: C
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals are a safety hazard and must be treated as
unknown hazardous materials. OSHA HazCom/GHS regulations require that all
chemicals be properly labeled. The custodian should not attempt to identify the
chemical by smell or sight, as this could cause exposure.
Question 10
A custodian is assigned to clean bodily fluid from a restroom floor after a student
illness incident. What is the correct first step?
